France Self Guided Bike Tour – Loire Valley
On this bike tour, you will cycle around all the famous and breath-taking Loire Valley Castles.
You will start in Villandry and its beautiful gardens, then continue on exploring the countryside between the Chambord Castle and Blois. You will have the opportunity to visit the picturesque city of Amboise, and the Chenonceau, Usse and Chambord castles among others. Not to mention tasting some Vouvray wine, also among others.
2023 Price: €1750 Euros pp double occupancy Upgraded Accommodations: From €2,000 euros double occupancy
Price Includes:
- 7 nights of accommodation in charming hotels with private shower and/or bath
- Daily breakfast at each hotel, 4 dinners included
- Hybrid bike rental included
- Orientation in person with our local guide
- Detailed ROAD BOOK, including details maps, touristic information, step by step itinerary and cue sheets
- Guidance Application for phone (phone not provided)
- All luggage transfers
- Comprehensive trip literature
- Technical and emergency support available at all times
Price Does Not Include:
International flights, Drinks. Some meals are not included in each destination, which gives you the opportunity to explore regional cuisine on your own. You will find all information needed with our team support in your roadbook.
Tour Difficulty
This tour is considered easy to moderate. The 247 km bike tour includes several options to choose from according to your wish and cycling level. Distances are between 30 – 60 km/day.
Tour Highlights
- Visits to Chateaux, mansions & abbeys
- Excellent gastronomy and wine
Itinerary
While we strive to create the most accurate itinerary possible, the nature of international travel demands that participants remain flexible to any changes. We will do our best to substitute activities and services of equal quality for those listed.
Day 1- Arrive In Tours
Arrival in Joue-les-Tours. From Paris, you can take a quick 1-hour train ride to St Pierre des Corps, transfer to your hotel on your own. Orientation at your hotel, dinner included at your chateau tonight. If you arrive early, you can spend your free time exploring the old city of Tours.
Meals : Breakfast on your own, Lunch on your own, Dinner included.
Day 2 – Villandry And Azay Le Rideau Castles
Option 1: 21 Miles – 34 Km Option 2 : 29 Miles – 46 Km
Elevation gain 1: 200 Meters Elevation gain 2: 250 Meters
After a stop at the outstanding gardens at the famous Villandry, you will ride alongside the Cher and Loire Rivers and along the Loire a Velo route. Continue towards Azay le Rideau and its Classic-style chateau, where you can spend your free time visiting the castle and possibly see the sound and light show. This Renaissance castle is considered a great example of Classic architecture and its setting alongside the Indre River is magic.
Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner included.
Day 3 – Chateau D’usse On To Luynes
Option 1: 21 Miles – 34 Km Option 2: 29 Miles – 46 Km
Elevation gain 1: 152 Meters Elevation gain 2: 259 Meters
From Azay you will continue the castles route, first stop the Chateau d’Usse: the Sleeping Beauty Castle. Continue to Langeais on a very quiet bike road by the Loire River. You will stay nearby to Villandry, in Luynes.
Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner included.
Day 4 – Vouvray Wine And Amboise Castle
Distance: 30 Miles – 48 Km Elevation gain: 274 Meters
A flat ride to pass around Tours and then into the wine country of the famous appellation Vouvray. About Vouvray wines: Vouvray is the largest white wine appellation of the Anjou-Saumur-Touraine region and produces splendid wines from dry wine to the richest dessert wines, as well as excellent sparkling wines. Continue to the charming Amboise.
Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner included.
Day 5 – Loop Ride To Explore Chenonceau Castle
Option 1: 22 Miles – 36 Km Option 2: 33 Miles – 53 Km
Elevation gain 1: 279 Meters Elevation gain 2: 415 Meters
A short and moderately flat ride will take you through the forests and alleys of the Amboise countryside passing by the Parc Mini Chateaux (great for kids) and then dropping down to the fabulous Chenonceau castle that must be discovered with plenty of time to visit. Chenonceau, erected by Henry II in the XVIth century over the Cher river and improved by Catherine de Medicis. The castle hides several pieces of historical interest, furniture and tapestries. For the long option you will continue on to Montrichard, La Genaudière and St. Regle before returning to Amboise.
Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner on your own.
Day 6 – Cycle Around The Chateau De Chaumont On To Blois
Distance: 27 Miles – 43 Km Elevation gain: 300 Meters
Leave Amboise and ride through many small villages, stopping at privately owned chateaux on the way. For lunch, why not stop at the famous Gardens festival and Chateau of Chaumont for a picnic followed by a visit? After lunch, you will either go on a short and quiet ride to Blois or choose the longer option riding through sunflower fields, deep countryside, and visit more castles such as Fougeres and Beauregard.
Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner on your own.
Day 7 – Loop Ride To Chambord Castle
Option 1: 29 Miles – 47 Km Option 2: 32 Miles – 52 Km Option 3: 39 Miles – 63 Km
Elevation gain 1: 275 Meters Elevation gain 2: 305 Meters Elevation gain 3: 380 Meters
Today, you will again have a few options. The short option takes you to the famous Chambord, where you can enjoy the magnificent architecture and unique features. Then you can enjoy a chocolate tasting in a chocolate factory in a nearby charming village before heading back to Blois with a stop at the Chateau de Villesavin. On the longer option, after Chambord, you will continue south to the Chateaux of Cheverny, Troussay and Beauregard. Those are easy rides on flat terrain, just enjoy the scenery imagining how and why the kings chose this area as their vacation place!
Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner on your own.
Day 8 – Departure Day
Departure from Blois after breakfast, at your leisure. Trains available to Paris.
Meals : Breakfast included, Lunch on your own, Dinner on your own.